Population dynamics is a topic in ecology and evolutionary biology that investigates the temporal and spatial variation in population size, structure, and composition, and the processes that drive these changes. It focuses on birth, death, immigration, and emigration rates and their dependence on intrinsic factors (e.g., life-history traits, density dependence, genetic structure) and extrinsic factors (e.g., climate, resources, species interactions). Quantitative population dynamics research employs mathematical and statistical models—such as exponential, logistic, and age-structured models, matrix population models, and stochastic simulations—to analyze stability, persistence, extinction risk, and responses to environmental perturbations or management interventions.
Scientists have reported it for decades: overpopulation can impair reproduction. Crowded chickens lay fewer eggs. Crowded mice have smaller broods. In humans, several studies have associated increased population density with ...
Evolution
May 21, 2026
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For decades, environmental debates have been framed around a stark trade-off: economic growth lifts people out of poverty but comes at the expense of forests, wildlife, and climate stability. More people and richer diets ...
Environment
May 20, 2026
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The vulnerability of a shark population to losing even small numbers to fishing has been highlighted by researchers from the University of Chester and partners in the Philippines using a remote stereo camera system. The team ...
Plants & Animals
May 20, 2026
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How does an ecosystem distribute its energy across body sizes? A new study suggests the answer depends on where you are—and how much humans have altered the landscape. Analyzing communities of birds and mammals worldwide, ...
Plants & Animals
May 14, 2026
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A juvenile gray whale that amazed Washington state residents after it swam 20 miles up a small river was found dead, and an official with a marine mammal research group suspects hunger may have driven the whale to new hunting ...
Ecology
Apr 6, 2026
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70
Earth has already exceeded its ability to support the global population sustainably, with new research warning of increasing pressure on food security, climate stability, and human well-being. However, slowing population ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 30, 2026
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Plants are usually seen as stationary life forms, quietly supporting environments. But plant communities and populations are far from static. They are constantly being shaped by the world around them.
Plants & Animals
Mar 17, 2026
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Coyotes may be building dens and having litters of pups near you, according to new research from the University of Georgia. But chances are you won't see them—even if they are denning right next door. In one of the first ...
Plants & Animals
Mar 16, 2026
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215
If you follow media coverage of koalas, you could be forgiven for feeling confused. Recent stories describe a "koala paradox": endangered in the north of Australia, abundant in the south; genetically diverse in some regions, ...
Plants & Animals
Mar 6, 2026
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37
A new study reveals that habitat fragmentation can lead to sudden "tipping points" where a species' genetic health unexpectedly collapses after appearing stable for long periods. By merging network theory with population ...
Ecology
Mar 5, 2026
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